Quiet evenings on the porch are no longer enjoyed. Folks that have saved for their retirement in the Poconos, our neighbors and core tax base, now have party houses next to them. Neighbors complain of excessive noise, parties late into the night, trash strewn about and overall disruptive behaviors by renters. Investors with no physical presence, local investment or heart in the community have purchased multiple properties to be used exclusively as short term rentals. Two calls and one email in the last three days. I know, I get phone calls and emails complaining of the trash and noise. What was not addressed is that Airbnb and similar platforms can be a huge detriment to many communities and residents where some irresponsible short term rental owners, and their renters, ignore and fail to follow the acceptable norms of a community. 23) regarding the economic impact STRs have on the Pocono Mountains. Recent local news reports have been run on WBRE (Feb. There is a downside that should be recognized, discussed and fixed. However, STRs are not the panacea to economic development as has been touted in recent local news stories. Of course, a vast majority of short-term renters are good people and families that want to enjoy the Poconos.

Poorly regulated, poorly managed and unmitigated short-term rentals are ruining communities in the Poconos for full time residents, as well as visitors, when some short term renters treat our communities like college spring break destinations.

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